Blog Kiosk: 8/25/2016 - Dodgers Links - Sborz, Ryu and Rich Hill's Debut

That was one heck of a first game.

After nearly a month of waiting (Rich Hill's trade to the Dodgers happened on August 1st) the 36-year old left-hander finally got onto the mound as a Dodger starter... And boy, did he impress.  Per Jack Baer and Chris Haft at MLB.com:

"Everything felt solid. Mentally, I felt great, body feels good," Hill said. "Something that I've emphasized throughout the entire season in Oakland and carried over here into L.A. is just stay within the moment, a pitch-to-pitch approach and really just making sure you execute each pitch."

Overall, Hill threw six shutout innings by weaving in a loopy and deceptive curve with a fastball that caught most batters by surprise to best the Giants, 1-0.  He struck out only three hitter but walked none on 81 total pitches.  As for the offense, that came on a solo shot by Justin Turner in the fourth inning off of Johnny Cueto.

"It's a cat-and-mouse game every time. He's one of my favorite guys to face. I know how competitive he is. I was with him with the Reds. You're always guessing whether he'll go quick or slow or with the hesitation. Every time we face each other, he does something to make me laugh and he laughs back at me. I always look forward to it."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game by Jon and Juan Ocampo.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1964 Sandy Koufax recorded his 50th career victory.  He beat the Reds, 7-2.  In 2012 the Dodgers completed a blockbuster trade with the Red Sox to get Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto.

Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2015 - Dodgher Links - Urias, Kershaw and Corey Seager

Spring has just begun and Dodger Nation is already showing up in droves to catch a glimpse of the "Boys in Blue."  The above photo of a couple of Dodger "fanaticos" was taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics of his from yesterday. 

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Jorge L. Ortiz at USA Today, "Lean, mean, only 18: Dodgers' Julio Urias gets serious."

"Fernando already completed his own great career. Now it's up to me to do what I can,'' he said. "I don't know if I'll ever measure up to what he did, but I have to put in the work. I know about the comparisons, but I don't feel any pressure to live up to what he accomplished. I'll have my own career and hopefully it's a successful one as well.''

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kershaw unimpressed by first 'pen session of spring."

"I'm healthy and feel great, but it was a pretty bad [bullpen session]," said Kershaw. "I hope the next one is better. I was all over the place, but my arm and body feel good."

Ellis saw it differently.

"He was really good," said Ellis. "I think he's ahead of us and just waiting for us to catch up."

• Via Mike Petriello at FanGraphs, "The Dodgers And The Cubans That Haven’t Worked Out."
• Topps has just released a Retro Spring Training 10" x 14" print available directly from them online.  A pic is on the right.  Go here to check them out.  A version numbered to 49 copies is available at $24.99.  I think this would look great with a bunch of signatures.  
• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA shares what appears to be the first Dodger prank of the young season, here.  JP Howell did the ol' "hid all his stuff" prank on new Dodger pitcher and friend Joel Peralta.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN LA, "Corey Seager makes a good first impression."

“I just want to soak up as much as I can,” Seager said. “Just observe is basically what I’m trying to do.” 

• I don't even know why I'm linking to this.  It's just plain stupid... And slightly entertaining... Even if Tommy wasn't that entertained.  Via TMZ, "Tommy Lasorda Nods Off at Hot Burlesque Show."
• Old friend alert.  Former Dodger Nick Punto will not be playing ball this season, but may resume his career the following year, via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors.  Also, Dan Haren showed up for the Marlins Spring Training in Florida, via the Marlins on twitter.  I guess all of that talk several months back about not wanting to play for them was just posturing.
• The Dodgers single-A affiliate Great Lake Loons will host Star Wars Night, via their twitter:

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 15/Road Game 7

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

--------------------------

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (4-6-4) at Kansas City Royals (6-5-1)
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Surprise
RHP Dan Haren (0-0, 1.50) vs. LHP Jason Vargas (0-0, 0.00)
Spring Game 15/Road Game 7
Television/Radio: SNLA/None

--------------------------

(Dee Gordon signs for a young fan, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

BLUES BROTHERS: The Dodgers and Royals square off for their only meeting of the spring today at Surprise Stadium. The clubs will meet again in the regular season, June 23-25 at Kauffman Stadium, for the first time since 2005 and Kansas City holds a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series.

• The Dodgers made a flurry of roster moves over the last 24 hours, reassigning RHP Red Patterson to minor league camp this morning following yesterday’s moves of optioning RHP Matt Magill and reassigning C JC Boscan, RHP Carlos Frias, INF Brendan Harris and INF Clint Robinson to minor league camp.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include C Webster Rivas (#89), C Kyle Farmer (#88), OF Noel Cuevas (#92), OF Trayvon Robinson (#93), INF Daniel Mayora (#91), INF Aaron Bates (#95), INF Darnell Sweeney (#84), RHP Craig Stem (#96), LHP Danny Coulombe (#83), RHP Sam Demel (#38).

GREAT SELECTION OF TIES: The Dodgers registered their fourth tie of the spring yesterday, 8-8, against the A’s. Andre Ethier (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI) and Juan Uribe (2-for-3, HR, RBI) gave the Dodgers the early lead with first-inning home runs and, along with Hanley Ramirez (2-for-3, R), finished the day with multi-hit games. Hyun-Jin Ryu delivered 5.0 strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits, and lowered his spring ERA to 2.45 in three starts. Kenley Jansen closed out the game with a 1-2-3 ninth inning and has allowed just two hits in 4.0 scoreless innings in four appearances this spring.

• The Dodgers’ record for ties in a spring is five, set in 2006 (15-13-5).

(Hyun-Jin Ryu, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

LIEUTENANT DAN: Dan Haren will make his third start of the spring today after tossing 4.0 scoreless innings in his last start on Thursday against the Angels in Tempe. The 33-year-old has allowed just one run in 6.0 innings this spring and finished the 2013 campaign on a roll, going 6-3 with one save and a 3.14 ERA in his final 13 games with Washington (12 starts) after July 27.

• The Monterey Park, CA, native faced the Royals once last year and allowed four runs on eight hits in 7.0 innings in a no-decision (eventual 6-4 Washington defeat) on Aug. 25 at Kauffman Stadium. Haren has gone 5-2 with a 2.77 ERA (23 ER/74.2 IP) in 11 career starts against Kansas City.
• Backing Haren today will be Jose Dominguez (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 2.0 IP, 0 R, 1, H, 1 BB, 3 K), Javy Guerra (last pitched on March 9 vs. SF, 1.0 IP, 0 R, BB, K), Paco Rodriguez (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 1.0 IP, 0 R, K), Chris Withrow (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 1.0 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 H, BB, 2 K) and Jamey Wright (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 2.0 IP, 1 R, 2 H, BB, WP).
• Dominguez (5.0 IP), Guerra (5.0 IP) and Rodriguez (3.0) are all unscored upon this spring.

BASE BANDIT: Dee Gordon has the day off today, but the 25-year-old has had quite a spring on the base paths, as he leads all big leaguers in steals with eight (8-for-8 in SB attempts). Despite playing in only 181 games since 2011, Gordon ranks 16th in the NL with 66 steals and has been successful on 77.6% of his stolen base attempts in the big leagues (66-for-85).

(Andre Ethier's home run swing, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!: The  Dodgers will open the 2014 season 11 days from today (!) against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. The historic Sydney Cricket Ground has been undergoing renovations to prepare for the first-ever MLB games to be played Down Under. The club will depart Arizona following its March 16 game against the Rockies and land in Sydney on March 18. Following a few days of workouts and sightseeing, the Dodgers will play Team Australia in an exhibition on March 20 and then take on the D-backs on March 22 and 23 to open the regular season.

• Clayton Kershaw will be the Opening Day starter for the first game against the D-backs in the 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. This will mark Kershaw’s fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the club and he has not allowed a run in his three previous outings (19.0 IP). The left-hander has racked up 19 strikeouts in his three Opening Day starts against the Giants (2013 – SHO, 2011 – 7.0 IP) and Padres (2012, 3.0 IP, exited game due to illness). Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch the second game in Australia.

ALL-STAR TEACHERS: Yesterday, Major League Baseball, Target Corp and PEOPLE announced the “Target Presents PEOPLE All-Star Teachers” campaign, which celebrates remarkable current and retired teachers who make an impact on the lives of their students and communities. All-Stars Adrian Gonzalez and Carlos Beltran will lend their support to the initiative by encouraging fans to nominate an outstanding teacher beginning today through May 6 at AllStarTeachers.com. Nominees will have the chance to represent their favorite team and be honored during the pre-game ceremony of the 2014 MLB All-Star Game on July 15 on FOX. MLB, Target and PEOPLE will review nominations and select three teachers per MLB team, with the 90 finalists to be announced on June 5. From June 5 through June 29, fans will be encouraged to visit AllStarTeachers.com to read nominees’ submission stories and vote for their favorite teachers.  All 30 winners, one representing each MLB Club, will be announced during All-Star Week.

(Uribe, Punto and Puig, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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This Mornings Press Conference was All About Kershaw - New Contract Extension Announced

To the surprise of no one, the press conference held at Dodger Stadium this morning was scheduled to formally announce a new contract extension for Clayton Kershaw.  As I'm sure you know by now, Clayton and the Dodgers came to an agreement for a 7-year extension in the amount of $215 million. 

The breakdown of this deal was shared by CBS Sports reporter Jon Heyman on twitter a couple of days ago.

2014: $22m ($18m signing bonus, $4m salary)
2015: $30m
2016: $32m
2017: $33m
2018: $33m
2019: $32m
2020: $33m

Also, after year 5 Kershaw can opt-out of the contract.  If he continues to pitch like he has, I would expect that this is a likely event. 

From a Dodgers press release:

"It is an incredible privilege to be part of the Los Angeles Dodger organization for another seven years," said Kershaw. "L.A. has become a second home to me and my wife, and I'm excited for the opportunity to represent the city for a long time to come. I am particularly grateful to our team's ownership and front office for believing in me. With this contract comes tremendous responsibility, not only as a pitcher, but as a good steward of the resources given to me. To whom much is given, much is required. Ellen and I are excited to take an undeserved blessing and, Lord willing, make a difference in the lives of others. I'm humbled by this recognition and looking forward to a new season, and hopefully, a World Series championship for the city of Los Angeles." 

Ned Colletti adds:

"There are great players and pitchers in the game," said Colletti. "And then there are those who are truly special. Clayton is not only among the elite of this era, but the perspective he and Ellen bring to their lives in helping others is equally remarkable. We have been honored to have the Kershaws as part of the Dodger organization and we are honored to have them as a part of the Dodger family for years to come."

Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider released a story just a moment ago that features Clayton Kershaw speaking with reporters via a speaker phone this morning.  You should check that out, here.  Below are some quotes.

“During the season, it’s always hard to think about that stuff,” Kershaw said on the phone from Texas with reporters. “I didn’t let myself think about it too much. Once the offseason started, I always kind of had the feeling it was going to work out.”

and

“I don’t think there’s a negative,” Kershaw said. “I think it’s how you look at it. Obviously, there’s gonna be a lot of expectations as it should be, if your salary’s out there and you’re one of the top players in the game, you’re gonna be expected to be one of the best players in the game. That’s fine with me. I look forward to those expectations and look forward to trying to live up to them.”

BTW, his teammates (and former teammates) came out in great support of him. 

From Hanley Ramirez:

Congratulations @ClaytonKersh22 THE BEST IN THE GAME! Well earned and deserved. I hope you left me a little bit haha pic.twitter.com/zWgJGaoMa8
— Hanley Ramirez (@HanleyRamirez) January 17, 2014

From AJ Ellis:

Big winner today......me. I am blessed to catch best in the game for foreseeable future God willing. Congrats Kersh!
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) January 15, 2014

From Matt Kemp:

Congrats 2 the best pitcher in baseball and great teammate @ClaytonKersh22 on his deal!
— Matt Kemp (@TheRealMattKemp) January 15, 2014

From Nick Punto:

congrats Kershaw's I'm so happy for u guys @ellenkershaw @ClaytonKersh22
— Natalie Punto (@MsShredderpunto) January 15, 2014

Oh... And what did Clayton do to celebrate?

Well... Ping Pong with friends, of course (via @Dodgers on twitter).

"Had some buddies over, played some ping pong, and grilled out." -@ClaytonKersh22 on how he celebrated his extension. Of course.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 17, 2014

Pic at the very top via Jon SooHoo and Patrick Gee/LA Dodgers 2013.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/27/2013 - Dodgers Links -

Above is a pic of the Dodgers Spring Training facility in Daytona Beach, Florida in 1946.  Pic via @Dodgers_History on twitter.

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA has the "J.P. Howell contract details".

The contract is worth a guaranteed $11.25 million, and could be worth as much as $17.25 million over three years, not counting any incentives.

• Eric also shares, "Juan Uribe contract details".

Uribe will be paid a signing bonus of $2 million, then will receive salaries of $6.5 million in both 2014 and 2015, per Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. He will also receive $1 million in 2014 as a deferred signing bonus from his previous three-year, $21 million contract with Los Angeles.

• Via Joel Sherman at the NY Post, "Sizing up the Yankees’ 8 biggest Tanaka challengers".  Unsurprisingly, the Dodgers are considered their top challenger to his services.
• Via Ray Guilfoyle at Fake Teams, "Alexander Guerrero: ZIPS optimistic on Dodgers second baseman".
• Joe Posnanski on his blog writes a great piece about Hall of Fame voting and the quagmire PED's has created.  For the most part, I agree with him.  The BBWAA is a poor avenue for deciding who deserves enshrinement, and the HOF needs to show some leadership.  That being said, I believe the best route is to have the BBWAA reject all players tainted (rumored), and the HOF should let the peers (i.e. current HOF'ers) form special committee's to decide who is worthy.  
• The Dodgers are a class organization, via Nick Punto's twitter:

The @dodgers oooz with class!! Xmas gift even though I'm not affiliated anymore. pic.twitter.com/OlAGOOUbf0
— Nick Punto (@Shredderpunto) December 24, 2013

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Blog Kiosk: 11/18/2013 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw Won the Branch Rickey Award, a Puig McFarlane Figurine and 4 New Dodger Minor Leaguers

Guess where Adrian Gonzalez went?  Pic above via his twitter @AdrianTitan23.

• Via Thomas Harding at MLB.com, "Humanitarian Kershaw gets Branch Rickey Award".
• True to the Blue tells us that Yasiel Puig will be getting a McFarlane figurine in 2014 - for MLB Series 32.  It is set to be released in April 2014, and 2 collector chase figurines will be made available.  One scarce variation will include a "big head" and white uniform, and another will feature Puig in a grey road uniform.  Go here to see a pic of it.
• Mike Pettriello at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness writes, "Deadline Nearing To Protect Prospects From Rule V Draft".
• Ross Gasmer at Dodgers Nation keeps us informed of some Minor League Dodger free agent signings - Juan Gonzalez, Justin Souza, J.C. Boscan, and Jamie Romak.
• Via Jon Rosen at LA Kings Insider, "Dodger Stadium tickets on sale Tuesday".

Tickets to the Stadium Series game between the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks at Dodger Stadium on January 25 will go on sale to the public via Ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster.ca at 10:00 a.m. PT on Tuesday, November 19.

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "The Little Pony rides off into the sunset".  It's all about fan favorite Nick Punto.
• Zack Hample shares some great old photos from Olympic Stadium in Montreal, home of the Expos.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/14/2013 - Dodgers Links - Mattingly to Manage Dodgers for a Long Time, Tommy and Brian Wilson Wants Closer Money

Puig Destroyer is coming out with their 2nd release next week.  Check out what the cover art will look like, via Puig Destroyer's facebook.  I'll be sure to post up their new album when it comes out.

• Listen to last nights broadcast of Dodger Talk with AJ Ellis, here.
• Via Ron Cervenka at True Blue LA, "Dodger Pitchers and Catchers to report on February 5".  This is extremely early, but not surprising considering that they start the season early in Australia.
• "Tommy Lasorda hits it out of the park," via Cpl. Timothy Childers of the 1st Marine Logistics Group. 

“If I would ask someone who [Tommy Lasorda] was, they would say he’s a Dodger, that he’s a ballplayer,” said Brig. Gen. Coglianese, a native of New Jersey. “I would tell you he’s a patriot, a veteran of World War II. [He is] a real American hero, idol and someone I look up to.”

• Via Dylan Hernandez on twitter, Brian Wilson will stay Blue if he's paid closer money.  Why not, right?  After all, we're paying closer money for middle relief help (i.e. Brandon League).

Sounds like Brian Wilson would be open to returning to the #Dodgers in a non-closing role if they pay him like a closer.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) November 13, 2013

• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Team president expects Don Mattingly to manage Dodgers 'a long time'".  Via Stan Kasten:

“There was never any confusion in our minds that we wanted him back. I think the whole organization feels like I do and like I have from the first day I came in, which is that I’m a big fan of Donnie’s and I’ve become an even bigger fan in my time with him. I see qualities in him that I think make him a candidate to be a long-term manager, chiefly his demeanor and handling people.”

• Nick Punto will not be a Dodger next season.  According to Jane Lee of MLB.com on twitter, he has signed with the A's.
• Matthew Glidden at Number 5 Type Collection shares a very unusual Steve Garvey collectible - a 1981 Long Beach Telegram newspaper cutout.
• Chris Olds at Beckett shares some preview pics from Panini's upcoming 2013 Elite Extra Edition Baseball cards; including the Jose Abreu card on the right.
• Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Meet the only guy who didn’t give Clayton Kershaw a first-place Cy Young vote".
• So, who's the best pitcher in the league?  This guy!

And we can't forget about the posse. What great friends to share the night with! pic.twitter.com/VVsb4LZX9y
— Ellen Kershaw (@ellenkershaw) November 14, 2013

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2013 Topps Update Baseball - 1971 Mini's & Silk Dodger Insert Cards

Do you want to see some more Dodgers' cards from the 2013 Topps Update set?

Well... I got them for ya.

Shown below are the Dodgers' silk and 1971 Topps mini insert cards from the set.  Go here to see the other Dodger cards from the Update set that I've shown so far.

Silk Collection

#SC233 Yasiel Puig                         #SC277 Nick Punto

#SC281 Skip Schumaker                          #SC282 Juan Uribe

Have I told how great the 1971 Topps set design is?

Well, it's phenomenal.  They have beautiful black borders and a simple framing design that really allows a photograph to "pop".  Better yet, the 2013 incarnation includes Dodger super-rookies Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yasiel Puig.  See them below.

BTW, a checklist tells me that there is Hanley Ramirez game-used relic card inserted into packs, but I have yet to see an example.

1971 Topps Mini

#TM15 Clayton Kershaw                    #TM16 Jackie Robinson

#TM17 Hyun-Jin Ryu                             #TM31 Yasiel Puig

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No Hanley Tonight - Here's the Starting Lineup

In pregame news that likely shocks, if not worries already nervous Dodger fans, the team reveals that Hanley Ramirez will not be on tonight's starting lineup.  In his place will be Nick Punto; who will hit in the #8 spot. 

This definitely is bad news for the Blue Crew.  Hopefully, Hanley is healthy enough to come off the bench, if needed.  At this time there is no news regarding his general health.

UPDATE: Dylan Hernandez provides some news about Hanley, and it's not good.

Mattingly: Hanley worse today than yesterday, can't swing, unsure if he can pinch hit.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 18, 2013

UPDATE II:  OK... Ignore everything above.  Hanley is in the lineup.  See my update post here.

UPDATE II:  Hold your horses... Hanley is still questionable.

Also, Yasiel Puig moves to the clean-up spot in the batting order.  This creates a Dodger lineup that's balanced "left-right-left-right-left-right" at the top.

In Cardinals news, they replace their centerfielder with Shane Robinson.  John Jay had a terrible time in the field in Game 5, so this is likely to help out the Red Birds defensively.  As for Robinson's bat, he is hitting just .250 with a .664 OPS for the season.  In other words, he's a step down.  On the other hand, Jay was hitting just .182 in the postseason.

Take a look at the Dodger lineup below.

(pic credits: @Dodgers on twitter)

Below is the Cardinals starting lineup:

#Cardinals lineup: Carpenter 2B Beltran RF Holliday LF Molina C Freese 3B Adams 1B Robinson CF Kozma SS Wacha P
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) October 18, 2013

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2013 Topps Update - The Dodgers Base Cards and Short Prints

Topps unveiled the 2013 Topps Update set that includes All-Stars, new rookies and recently traded players.  So, as you can imagine it's fileld with a bunch of Dodgers.  Check out all of the Dodger base cards below.  Next week I'll share pics of the Dodger insert cards.

Notice that Yasiel Puig and Hyun-Jin have a bunch of cards; including more than a handful of short-printed variations.

#US29 Scott Van Slyke                      #US46 Yasiel Puig RCH

#US106 Clayton Kershaw AS

#US109 Jose Dominguez                     US132 Ronald Belisario

#US171 Nick Punto                            #US191 Ricky Nolasco

#US192 Hyun-Jin Ryu RD                             #US208 Juan Uribe

#US250 Yasiel Puig

#US254 Brian Wilson                          #US261 Skip Schumaker

#US308 J.P. Howell                          #US330 Yasiel Puig RD

There are a bunch of Dodger short-printed cards.  First, I wanted to show the Willie Mays card since it also includes Sandy Koufax.  Yasiel Puig has 3 different variations available to chase after.  Hyun Jin Ryu has 2 different variations in the set.

Short Printed Variations

#US73 Willie Mays with Sandy Koufax

#US250 Yasiel Puig

#661 Hyun-Jin Ryu

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Blog Kiosk: 10/14/2013 - Dodgers Links - Donnie Baseball, Free Parking Tonight and Hanley Ramirez is Still Questionable

Tonight we have an opportunity to set things right.  The game begins at 5:07 PM PST.  Please be loud and proud this afternoon.  During Don Mattingly's press conference yesterday he said:

"We're a couple of hits away from being up 2-0."

I do not disagree with Donnie Baseball's statement.  Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter and pic below is of Puig, Lopes and McGwire via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• I might be in the minority here, but I like Steve Lyons.  Via his twitter:

I will not return with the Dodgers in any role in '14. Shattered, but not broken. I still LOVE this team.
— Steve Lyons (@SteveLyons12) October 12, 2013

Bill Shaikin of the LA Times also mentions that Eric Collins will also not be coming back.

• Remember, fans attending tonight's game with 4 or more riders get free parking.  Also:

Fans who carpool with four or more people will be allowed to use the bus lane approaching Dodger Stadium during the Postseason. #ITFDB
— Dodgers PR (@DodgersPR) October 11, 2013

• "Hanley to have CT scan on ribs after X-rays negative," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"It hurts and we want to make sure we don't put anything at risk," Ramirez said of Sunday's scheduled test in Los Angeles. "We decided at the last minute [not to start]. I tried all day, did everything we can to play, but it hurt when I tried to hit and it didn't work the way we thought so we decided to get an X-ray.

"I want to make sure I'm able to swing. It was really painful. I took a swing off the tee and it hurt bad. It was getting worse and worse."

He received that CT scan yesterday, but we have yet to hear its results.

• "Dodgers need to take a page from their hated rivals’ book," via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA. 
• "Andre Ethier day-to-day with ankle injury," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.
• The season isn't even over yet.  Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times writes, "Could Tony La Russa replace Don Mattingly as Dodgers manager?"
• True to the Blue recaps the Shawn Green and Paul LoDuca signing this past Saturday.
• Bob Nightengale at USA Today mentions in a story today that Don Mattingly will get an extension.  He also mentions that some players are grumbling about his managerial abilities, but I'll say that anonymous sources are a load of BS.  I consider this nothing more than a reporter satisfying a theme he's built into his story using conjecture.  Folks, this kind of crap happens all the time - just watch cable news, it's filled with it.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers express confidence before Game 3".

"This is a very confident group inside this clubhouse, a very tight-knit group," Punto said. "Inside that clubhouse we're extremely loose. I feel like we're about to break out."

• Jodes0405 at Gaslamp Ball tells us about the opening of Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center in San Diego.

With the opening of the new Central Library in downtown San Diego also came the opening of the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center, home of the second largest baseball library collection in the world.

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Blog Kiosk: 10/11/2013 - Dodgers Links - the NLDS Edition

Dodger wives are ready for the playoffs.  The above pic was tweeted by @MsShredderPunto.  She wrote, "behind every great man is a supportive wife".

• "Cardinals set up rotation for Games 1-3: Wacha, Wainwright would be available to face Dodgers twice if needed," via Chad Thornburg at MLB.com.
• "Middle relief will play key role for the Dodgers," via Aaron Dodger at Inside Dodger Baseball.
• Jon SooHoo shares some photos from the Dodgers first workout in St. Louis.  See more pics here.
• "Zack Greinke will be mindful of Cards," via Mark Saxon at ESPN.

"They don't really give up any at-bats, so it's always a grind," Greinke said. "Even when they bring the young guys up, it's like they make adjustments faster than other teams. I talked to Skip [Schumaker] and McGwire about, 'How do they make adjustments so fast?'" 

• "Ethier a 'possibility' to join Hanley in starting lineup," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"I want to figure out how I can contribute more," Ethier said. "I feel I can do well playing center field. It's definitely gotten better from last week at this point. I kept pounding on it and it didn't get worse. Everyone was happy yesterday and today. It responded well today and we have to see how it responds tomorrow."

• Evan Bladh at Think Blue LA writes a, "Dodger Bandwagoners Code of Conduct".  Read it folks! 

Yes, Bandwagoners. They don’t know the game, but they claim they do. They couldn’t name ten guys on the roster. They’ll show up and wonder why Matt Kemp isn’t starting or they’ll rip the G.M. for letting Manny Ramirez go. 

• This is the greatest strike 3 call by an umpire ever, via Jay Hart at Big League Stew.
• In one graphic a valid point is made.  Via Balloon Juice.

• In sports auction news, former auction house owner Bill Mastro plead guilty to charges related to shill bidding that fraudulently inflating prices and misrepresenting the value of memorabilia.  His plea included his admission that he trimmed the famous McNall/Gretzky T206 Honus Wagner card without disclosing that fact to Buyers.  See the Chicago Tribune story here.

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Current and Former Dodgers Mouth off on Twitter

With all of the hoopla that naturally comes from a come-from-behind victory during the playoffs, it's only natural that Dodgers brethren, both current and old, would express their joy for all to hear.  Thankfully, twitter provides an avenue for us to hear their screams.  Below is a collection of some of the best yells.

From Alex "the best at-bat in Dodger history" Cora:

Pool Party?
— Alex Cora (@ac13alex) October 8, 2013

I was thinking the same thing.  It would have been hilarious if the Dodgers pulled out a little plastic kiddie pool to play in.

It's not a parking lot anymore. Good Night, happy for LA. It's home for us, we love LA.
— Alex Cora (@ac13alex) October 8, 2013

Luis Cruz will always be a Dodger to me.

Grate game very happy for all.the dodgers org     happy for my man juan.uribe @ClaytonKersh22 @CarlCrawford_ @AdrianTitan23 @MagicJohnson
— luis cruz (@CochitoCruz) October 8, 2013

Thanks, Blake!

@AJEllis17 @ClaytonKersh22 congrats fellas! keep goin
— Blake Hawksworth (@BlakeHawk425) October 8, 2013

Now we hear from some current Boys in Blue.

What a night! So thankful to be apart of this ride with the greatest teammates I could ever ask for! #uribeisajoke
— Clayton Kershaw (@ClaytonKersh22) October 8, 2013

WooHoo!  Thank you Mr. Cy Young.

Happy people. #NLDSchamps pic.twitter.com/4glYMq4Lo9
— Ellen Kershaw (@ellenkershaw) October 8, 2013

Is this the cutest couple in Baseball?

Proud of my boys! Let's keep this ride going! #DemBoysInBlue hungry! #LA #postseason #NLDS
— Matt Kemp (@TheRealMattKemp) October 8, 2013

I wish I could get a piggy-back ride!

Great win... Our fans were electric tonight!!! #StadiumRockin
— Carl Crawford (@CarlCrawford_) October 8, 2013

You were fantastic tonight, Carl!

Amazing series win! Thanks to all Dodger fans for incredible support!
— Adrian Gonzalez (@AdrianTitan23) October 8, 2013

Thanks #dodgers fans for your amazing energy at the Ravine tonight!
— Nick Punto (@Shredderpunto) October 8, 2013

And Punto's wife had a wild time yesterday.

Nicks going to the NLCS and this baby is headed to the shop.. #thisishowiroll pic.twitter.com/0N6J73N2pc
— Natalie Punto (@MsShredderpunto) October 8, 2013

AJ Ellis cracks me up!

.@ClaytonKersh22 start/Uribe's HR/Kenleys save barley trumps Grenkie's Fantasy Football finally winning a game as biggest win of the day.
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) October 8, 2013

Seriously though our fans brought and energy that we needed to close it out. Thanks to you all for your support and can't wait till NLCS
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) October 8, 2013

Unfortunately, Steve Garvey had his own automotive issues last night.

Cracked windshield complements of @Braves fan @Dodgers stadium last night. My son was really disappointed. pic.twitter.com/MkkufiGFHF
— Steve Garvey (@SteveGarvey6) October 8, 2013

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